Nazie Eftekhari
# Nazie Eftekhari

Nazie Eftekhari is an Iranian-American and founder and principal architect of HealthEZ and founder of The Araz Group. She is a speaker, philanthropist, human rights activist, and innovator. Her background includes over 30 years of health care experience focusing on networks, self-insured employers and technology development and implementation, as well as business experience. Eftekhari is a graduate of the London School of Economics, Master's in International Relations from University of Southern California and also holds a master's degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota.

## Honorifics and awards

Eftekhari most recently received the 2011 International Immigrant Achievement Award from The International Leadership Institute. In 2009, she was chosen Woman of the Year by the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and in 2004, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal named her one of the Twin Cities' Women Changemakers. In 1995, Eftekhari was named Small Business Person of the Year. Amongst her other awards are The Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights Award, the Woman of Distinction Award, and the 2011 International Immigrant Achievement Citizen Award.

## Political activism

Eftekhari serves on the board of We Choose, the organizing committee of the 2013 Iranian Virtual Elections. Ms. Eftekhari also serves on the board of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Carlson School of Management (University of Minnesota) and the Walker Art Center. She is also on the board of The Iranian American Political Action Committee (IAPAC), the Directors Board of the Nonviolent Initiative for Democracy (NID), is a founding member of the Yalda Network: Mothers and Others for Iran. She interviews frequently on the Voice of America Persian News Network and previously served on the board of directors of the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans.

Eftekhari grew up in Iran and has been politically active on issues concerning Iran.

## References and Notes

* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "HealthEZ Biography". Archived from the original on 2015-04-12. Retrieved 2013-02-03.
* ↑ "Healthcare Innovator Nazie Eftekhari Named Woman of the Year". Business Wire. June 10, 2009.
* ↑ Bode, Tim (7 May 2011). "Nazie Eftekhari to Receive 2011 International Immigrant Achievement Citizen Award". PRWeb. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
* ↑ Kangarlou, Tara (June 11, 2013). "Virtual Freedom: Cyberspace Helps Iranians Raise their Voice". CNN.
* ↑ Recknagel, Charles (June 10, 2013). "Virtual Election Gives Iranians Change to Vote for Unofficial Candidates". Payvand Iran News.
* ↑ PAAIA Biography
* ↑ Sidman, Fern (October 11, 2011). "NY Experts Warn, 'Don't Attack Iran'". Israel National News.
